

ABSTRACT

The sweetening agent, L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, in the form of particles is encapsulated by a coating material selected from cellulose, cellulose derivatives, starches, carbohydrates, gums, polyolefins, polyesters, waxes, vinyl polymers, gelatin, zein and mixtures thereof, wherein the ratio of the coating material to the methyl ester is 1:1 or less than 1:1. The encapsulated sweetening agent has less tendency to lose its sweetening characteristics when incorporated in a chewing gum or in a food product. The production of the encapsulated sweetening agent is also disclosed.



